Christmas markets - a special part of Advent in Vienna

Austria is a fascinating country to visit at any time of the year. But the weeks from late November to the end of the year hold a special meaning and let you become familiar with some of the most beautiful aspects of the country: deep-rooted folk traditions come alive in colorful, romantic events.

Advent, the period of preparation for the festival honoring the birth of Christ, begins on a Sunday four weeks before Christmas Eve. This is the day when in living rooms all over the country advent wreaths, woven from evergreen twigs and decorated with ribbons and four candles, are hung or prominently placed. On each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, one more candle on the wreath is lit at dinnertime, many families pray, read Christmas stories or sing carols together.

Vienna’s Christmas markets are steeped in tradition, as a quick glance at history shows. The forerunner of the present-day events goes back to the Middle Ages when, in 1298, Albrecht I granted the Viennese the privilege of holding a December market or Krippenmarkt. Since then, the character and prevalence of these markets has changed radically. Last year there were 21 official Advent markets in Vienna selling a vast array of Christmas gifts and mouthwatering treats. Hot punch is now also a traditional favorite, with some 200 booths serving around 10,000 liters of the heartwarming beverage every day. Flavors range from berry, apple and orange to jelly bear, chocolate coconut and tropical.

The classic event is the Vienna Christmas Market in front of City Hall with 143 booths attracting some three million visitors every year. The Culture and Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, the Old-Viennese Christmas Market at Freyung, the arts & crafts market at Spittelberg and the Advent markets in front of the Church of St. Charles Borromeo and Belvedere Palace are some of the other fixtures during the Advent period in Vienna. Click here for a listing of Vienna's Christmas markets.

The Christmas tree comes to Austrian homes only on Christmas Eve, December 24. While the children are out, parents set up the tree, decorate it and then lock the room. After dusk, the ringing of a bell announces that the Christkindl has just flown by and instructed the helping angels to leave the presents for the little ones. The door opens, the room is bathed in the warm, flickering light of the candles, everyone sings a verse or two of Silent Night, and the cheerful giving and unwrapping begins.